A global clothing retailer needed an affordable storage solution for its distribution centers but lacked the budget for heavy-duty steel shelving. Partnering with Conveyor Handling Company, WPSS provided RiveTier Low Profile Shelving, a Cost-Effective alternative featuring Boltless Assembly that met the retailer’s needs for lightweight inventory while generating significant savings.
The Challenge: Expansion Squeeze vs. Budget Crunch
A global retailer of trend-setting clothing for teenagers was facing a common retail dilemma: the need to expand storage capacity across numerous North American distribution centers while adhering to a strict budget.
Key Issues:
- Budget Constraints: The retailer originally stipulated heavy-duty clip-type steel shelving, but the cost of materials and installation exceeded their available budget.
- Specific Needs: The inventory consisted primarily of lightweight clothing items, meaning heavy-duty industrial shelving was actually over-engineered for the application.
- Cost Pressure: The client needed a solution that would provide the necessary storage density without the high price tag of standard industrial systems.
The Solution: RiveTier Low Profile Shelving
The retailer contacted Baltimore-based Conveyor Handling Company, a leader in material handling solutions. Recognizing the mismatch between the client’s needs and their requested specs, Conveyor Handling Company and WPSS proposed an alternative: RiveTier Low Profile Shelving.
The RiveTier Advantage
- Cost Savings: A detailed study demonstrated that RiveTier offered significant savings in both materials and installation compared to the clip-style shelving originally requested.
- Optimized for Light Inventory: The low-profile beams were perfectly suited for supporting lightweight clothing, providing the necessary functionality without unnecessary bulk or cost.
- Boltless Assembly: RiveTier’s boltless connections allow for quick and easy assembly with just a rubber mallet. This efficiency can cut assembly time in half, further reducing labor costs.
Results: Under Budget and Expanding
The switch to RiveTier was a financial and operational success.
| Outcome | Benefit to Client |
| Significant Savings | The retailer came in significantly under budget by choosing RiveTier over heavy-duty clip shelving. |
| Increased Capacity | The savings were so substantial that the retailer was able to purchase additional low-profile RiveTier shelving with the remaining funds. |
| Rapid Deployment | Boltless Assembly ensured faster installation, allowing the distribution centers to get up and running quickly. |
| Perfect Fit | The solution matched the specific weight requirements of the inventory, avoiding the cost of over-engineered equipment. |
By partnering with experts who understand that the strongest solution isn’t always the most expensive one, this global retailer secured a storage system that perfectly fit their products and their budget. Ready to work on your next project? Big or small, WPSS has experts ready to assist! We provide layout guidance, spec sheets, and recommend best-practice clearances to ensure an efficient and space saving design. Contact us today for a quote.